LEARN | FOR EDUCATORS

The Gibbes recognizes teachers as valuable partners in the field of education.

To support them, we offer a range of programs and resources to help teachers forge their own personal connection with the arts while creating an interdisciplinary perspective for their students.

AT THE MUSEUM

PreK-12 Group Tours

We’re committed to enhancing school curricula through the arts. Our specialized tours for PreK-12 students address key themes and ideas found in our permanent collection and special exhibitions. These interactive, hands-on programs encourage critical thinking and visual literacy skills while addressing South Carolina Learning Standards. All Title I Tri-County schools are eligible for free admission and are invited to apply for transportation funding through our Art Access program.

Pre-Visit Materials

Prepare your class for your next visit to the Gibbes Museum of Art with materials designed for PreK-12 educators and students. Search our online collection database or visit HandheldArt.org for ideas. Use the Gibbes collection as a tool for learning, to foster in-class discussions and interdisciplinary activities that explore science, history, and language while encouraging critical thinking and visual literacy.

Teacher Workshops

The Gibbes’ professional development workshops for PreK-12 educators are a great opportunity for teachers in all disciplines to explore current exhibitions; design interdisciplinary curricula in collaboration with their peers; meet artists, scholars, and writers; and develop an individual relationship with the arts. Everyone who attends walks away with strategies and materials they can use in the classroom. For more information please contact the Education Department at 843.722.2706 x241 or email rsailor@gibbesmuseum.org.

Educator Passes

Educators planning a class visit to the Gibbes are encouraged to visit in advance to preview exhibitions using our FREE Educator Passes. To obtain passes, please call the Education Department at 843.722.2706 x241 or email rsailor@gibbesmuseum.org.

IN SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Create-A-Map

Create-A-Map is our portable map-making kit with everything your students need to create a 9x12ft three-dimensional map of South Carolina on the classroom floor. Working in teams, students place materials from the kit onto a gridded floor cloth to define cities, regions, rivers and lakes, highways, people, state symbols, and products of the state. Images of artwork from the museum are incorporated into the kit.

Especially suited for grades 3 – 8, Create-A-Map works well with up to 30 students at a time. The interactive experience combines geography, social studies, history, art, mapping skills, and teamwork and takes approximately 50 – 60 minutes to complete. Read more about the Create-A-Map on the museum blog.

Offered to educators in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties, the kit is $40.00 for a two-week period. The Create-A-Map kit includes the 9x12ft floor cloth, 7 team boxes with all necessary materials, and complete instructions. It is packed in 1 rolling bin (2'6"x1'6"x1'2"). The kit can be picked up and returned to the Gibbes Museum of Art offices with advance notice. To reserve this hands-on teaching tool for your classroom, please download the Create-A-Map registration form and email your completed form to rhiester@gibbesmuseum.org or call 843.772.2706 x237.

Gibbes Art to Go

Seeking a teaching artist to work on a specific project in your school? Gibbes Art to Go program brings art to you! To learn more, contact rsailor@gibbesmuseum.org or call 843.722.2706 x241.

Eye Spy

Trained museum educators work with area elementary school students to enhance their understanding of art history. Teachers provide knowledge on the elements of art, style, and how to compare and contrast artwork using the Gibbes’ collection as well as other prominent museum collections. Students learn how to look and talk about art. Museum tours take place toward the end of the school year. This program is supported by a private foundation and currently limited to select schools. To learn more, contact rsailor@gibbesmuseum.org or call 843-722-2706 x241.

Eye Opener

This program connects trained museum educators with Engaging Creative Minds students and teachers. Together, the teachers and museum educators develop a plan to implement their learning vision. Using the visual arts, music, and literature, they expand the learning process in the classroom. To learn more, contact Engaging Creative Minds.